RELAX AND UNWIND IN THE PICTURESQUE POSTCARD VILLAGE OF MOUSEHOLE.

This charming fishing village may look small, but behind its picture-perfect coves and tiny bobbing boats lies a mighty history full of tales and legend. From the Mousehole cat, smugglers, invasion and stargazy pie, dive into the magical allure of Mousehole, written into its cobbled streets.

Rows upon rows of cottages, dotted with a traditional bakery or paper shop, make up the backdrop of Mousehole’s two sandy coves and working harbour. Holidays in Mousehole invite you to scour the shores for unique shells and pebbles before settling in a sunny corner with a Cornish ice cream in hand, watching the fisherman bringing in nets of pilchards later to be served by a log fire in one of the village’s cosy pubs. For a days activity, try crabbing in the scattering of rockpools or climbing the steep hillside to visit the town’s bird sanctuary. When the sun has settled beneath the horizon, curl up in your retreat, delighting in the sounds of fishermen packing up after a day’s catch. Self catering holidays in Mousehole were made for moments like these.

Visit Mousehole in winter to see the village’s fables come to life in their famous Christmas light display, best viewed wrapped in a wooly scarf, a mulled wine in hand. Or for more adventure all year round, explore the surrounding South West Cornwall. Penzance’s promenade, lido and shops are a short drive away. At low-tide head to Marazion and walk the causeway across to St Michael’s Mount, pack a picnic blanket, juice, and scones to eat at the iconic Minack Theatre, or spend the whole day on the tropical Porthcurno Beach.

Choose one of our holiday cottages in Mousehole this year and make your stay perfect.

Browse our last minute availability and special offers for your next beach getaway.

Boats in a harbour.

BEACH LIFE

Mousehole beach

While Mousehole lacks a large sandy beach, its small harbour beach with pebbles and rock pools can be enjoyed at low tide, making a lovely spot to relax and watch the bobbing boats.

Porthcurno beach

About 6 miles from Mousehole, Porthcurno Beach is a stunning sandy beach between high cliffs, known for crystal clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Each year, Porthcurno Beach wins national and international accolades for its Caribbean feel.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome along the harbour with exception of the outer quays and beaches (Mousehole is still a working, albeit small, fishing port).

Lifeguards

Mousehole does not have a lifeguard service. Porthcurno Beach is lifeguarded daily between 13th May and 24 September.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK?

The Ship Inn
Tucked away on the harbour’s edge, The Ship Inn is an ideal spot for a relaxing post-swim beer, dinner as the sun sets, or a lazy lunch by the crackling fireplace.

2 Fore Street
Located just a short stroll from the harbour, 2 Fore Street offers a breezy and casual space for dining all day long.

Jessie’s Dairy
The little café is ideal for takeaway items like Cornish pasties, rolls, homemade pies or a classic Cornish Cream Tea.

Mousehole Deli & Kitchen
The restaurant, takeaway and deli is based in the heart of the village, overlooking Mousehole harbour and serves simple but perfectly prepared dishes that are locally sourced.

COASTAL WALKS

Mousehole to Penlee Point walk: (0.4 miles) This tiny headland extending from Mousehole was once home to the Penlee RNLI station and launching site of the lifeboat tragically lost in 1981 with gorgeous sea cliffs and views.

Mousehole to Lamorna Cove walk: (2 miles) Slightly more demanding, the trail to picture-perfect Lamorna Cove leads through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Follow the valley stream to a rugged cove dotted with massive boulders, pebbled beach and crystal blue waters.

BEACH RETREATS RECOMMENDS

  • Spot seals sunbathing on the shores of St. Clements Island just off the coast.
  • The village’s has a number of art galleries and studios featuring works from locals artists and the popular Newlyn Art Gallery is only a 2 mile drive away.
  • Visit the Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and learn about the important rescue work that is undertaken by the team
  • Embark on a boat trip from the harbour with Cormorant Cruising and enjoy Mousehole and its surroundings from the water.
  • Book a guided walking tour around Mousehole or explore the coast in an expert led Coasteering session.
  • Visit the stunning open-air Minack Theatre, built into the cliffs and overlooking the sea. You can book to see a play (make sure to bring a cushion to sit on and a blanket to wrap up in on a cool evening) or just purchase a day ticket to visit the theatre during the day.

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